Restrictions on Firing Employees in California

Employers in California are subject to these state rules that restrict firing employees under certain circumstances.

California laws make it unlawful for an employer to fire an employee for:

• testifying as a witness
• refusing to violate the safety code
• serving on jury duty
• disclosing the amount of his or her wages
• reporting information about a violation of law
• filing a workers' compensation claim
• a conflict between the employee's religious beliefs and employment requirements
• opposing any unlawful employment practices or filing a complaint, testifying, or assisting in any enforcement proceeding
• taking time off to perform emergency duty as a volunteer firefighter, a reserve peace officer, or emergency rescue personnel
• using family/medical leave

California laws also do not allow an employer to:

• refuse to allow time off to vote
• require employees to take polygraph tests
• fire agricultural employees to discourage or encourage unionism
• deny equal employment opportunity
• violate protections for veterans or reservists
• fire an employee due to garnishment of wages